Digital Safety Tips for Kids Our Community Educators have compiled a list of tips for children to keep in mind while they spend time online. Share these tips with your children and use this as an opportunity to have an open conversation with your children about their online behaviors. Kindergarten through 2nd Grade: The internet is a BIG place and not everything we see is meant for children. If we see something online that is not okay, it is important that we talk to a trusted adult such as our parents or a caregiver. Some information is private and can be dangerous to share online. Personal information can tell people things about you, like where you live or how to get in touch with you. If a game, website or person asks for your personal information, we need to ask for permission from our caregiver before sharing. Examples of personal information may include: Full Name Email Address Home and School Addresses Phone numbers 3rd through 5th Grade: Not everyone online is a safe person, even if they seem nice and friendly. When playing video games or using social media, it is best to only interact with people we know in real life. If a stranger online or on video games asks you personal information, asks you to send pictures or wants to be-friend you, say NO and tell your trusted adult. You deserve to have a safe and fun space on the internet. If anyone is making hurtful comments or is being a bully, you can block them. Sometimes even if you block someone, their mean comments and actions still hurt. You have lots of people in your life that care about you and want to help. Talk about your feelings with your caregiver, teacher, counselor, or other adult. Middle School: Online, everyone has a digital reputation. Your digital reputation, or digital footprint, is essentially a history of everything you’ve ever done online. Even if you delete a post or picture from the web or a device, once it is shared or posted online, anyone can save or re-share your post; it can remain permanent. A great rule is to not share anything online you would be embarrassed to share with EVERYONE. High School: Sexting is sending or receiving nude/revealing photos or sexually explicit texts. Sometimes teens sext because they feel like their phone gives them the privacy and freedom to do what they want, or it feels adventurous. Sexting, however, can have dangerous consequences. Pressuring someone to send revealing photos, re-sharing private content or sending unsolicited sexual images can have serious criminal consequences. If someone online promises to help you make money, get you into a place of your own, and/or get you your own car if you will work for him/her, contact law enforcement. A person that cares about you in a healthy relationship, should not be pressuring you to do something dangerous or something you do not want to do. If that occurs, put yourself first and talk to a trusted adult to help you handle this situation. If you experienced solicitation (sending nude photos, meeting up for sex) online from someone you know or a stranger, it is important to notify law enforcement to make sure you are safe. Talk to a trusted adult to help you with that process. Sources: Netsmartz and Monique Burr Foundation Safety Matters Learn more about keeping kids safe from abuse, what to do if you suspect abuse has occurred, and how Alliance For Children assists Tarrant County's child abuse victims: READ MORE Alliance For Children ‌ ‌ ‌ Alliance For Children | 3609 Marquita Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76116 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected] powered by Try email marketing for free today!